US Bridges

HWY Merriam ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr

FairPosted for load

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · 0.48 KM S Rt 117 · Structure no. W290012NMDOT634

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
73 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,716
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Merriam ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying HWY Merriam ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 97 years old, older than the Massachusetts average of 63.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,716 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,895 by 2031. The structure is 73 ft (22.3 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY Merriam ST
CrossesRR Mbta/Bmrr
Location0.48 KM S Rt 117
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.39576, -71.30229
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating15.7 US tons
Inventory rating10.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length73 ft (22.3 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,716 (2023)
Projected traffic1,895 by 2031
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Merriam ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is HWY Merriam ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does HWY Merriam ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr carry?

About 2,716 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is HWY Merriam ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr?

The structure is 73 ft (22.3 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Merriam ST over RR Mbta/Bmrr?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.